- Submersible pumps are a type of sump pump, which are used to remove undesired water from locations such as basements and crawlspaces. These pumps are placed in small, bucket-sized pits in the lowest parts of basements. Basements that use sump pumps are slightly pitched, so water flows in the direction of the sump pump bucket. As water collects, the sump pump activates and displaces the unwanted water collection.
- Submersible pumps are one of the more common and widely used sump pumps. They're usually smaller than the popular pedestal pump and stand only about 12 inches tall. Standard home models generally have a 115-volt motor offering between 1/3 and ½ horsepower. Submersible pumps are situated at the bottoms of their designated pit and are activated when water pushes a float switch up a few inches. Even though submersible pumps are automatically activated when water reaches depths of a few inches, some models can be activated manually by the turn of a switch or the push of a button.
- The motor in a submersible pump uses a drive shaft which turns an impeller, generating velocity to create the pressure needed to discharge unwanted water. Water is sucked up through the bottom of the pump and redirected into the sewer, a septic tank or simply outdoors away from the home. This is the main function of all sump pumps, submersible pumps use the slightly modified method of being underwater as they pump.
- This type of pump does not draw water up through a pipe, rather water gets sucked up straight through the bottom of the device. Debris often gets into sump pump pits, and submersible sump pumps have a screen that filters debris from running through the pump. Damage from debris is one of the biggest issues facing any type of sump pump.
- Submersible pumps are a relatively maintenance-free device. The motors in quality submersible pumps are encased in watertight housings. Some are equipped with overload sensors, that shut off the motor when it is at risk of overheating. Regular maintenance involves simple and periodic inspections of wires and lubricants. A quality submersible pump can be effective for over 10 years if maintained properly
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